The Quiet Wisdom of Winter

As December begins, the world grows still. The sun lingers low on the horizon, the air carries the scent of frost, and nature quietly prepares for the long rest ahead. Before the Solstice officially arrives, this is our moment to pause — to step gently into the season and listen for its quiet wisdom.

We’ll begin with a slow, mindful walk — a chance to settle into the rhythm of early winter, to breathe deeply, and to let the soft light guide us inward. From there, we’ll move into the pastures of High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center, where the horses will be at liberty — unhaltered, unhurried, and wholly themselves.

At this time of year, the horses become living teachers of the Solstice’s lesson: to rest deeply, to stay present, and to trust the turning of light and dark. Their calm awareness and natural rhythm remind us that stillness is not stagnation, but preparation — a quiet gathering of strength beneath the surface.

Together, we’ll share in a simple outdoor Solstice ritual — releasing what no longer serves and welcoming the return of light, both within and around us.

Afterward, we’ll move indoors for warmth and reflection. With journals, oracle cards, and cups of hot herbal tea, we’ll gather in a sharing circle to honor the wisdom of the season, the guidance of the horses, and the gentle renewal that winter brings.

If the weather is cold or unkind, we’ll gather entirely inside the facility — sharing this experience alongside the horses in comfort and quiet presence.

This offering is open to all women who feel called to mark the turning of the year in a quiet, heartfelt way — with presence, reflection, and connection. No horse experience is needed — only an open heart.

What You Can Expect

A serene and meaningful Solstice gathering:

Guided mindful walk
Time with horses at liberty — observation, reflection, connection
Simple outdoor Winter Solstice ritual
Journaling, oracle card draw, and sharing circle
Herbal tea and warmth indoors
Special seasonal gift

Safety & Support

For those carrying fear or unease around horses, know this space is held with deep care. You are welcome to observe from outside the paddock if that feels right. Your pace is honored. Presence is enough.
This program is thoughtfully crafted for women seeking to connect with the healing power of nature and animals. It represents years of training, refinement, and heartfelt dedication by two women who have walked this journey with authenticity and purpose.
Whether you come to reconnect with yourself, soften into a new season, or listen for what wants to emerge — you are warmly welcomed.
No horse or outdoor experience is required — just an open heart.
Space is limited · Registration required
Safety & Support: You’ll learn appropriate behavior around horses to ensure both your safety and theirs. All interactions are facilitated with care and supported by experienced guides. If you feel unsure or carry past fears, you are welcome to observe from beyond the gate. We honor where you are, and we walk gently together.
A few days before the gathering, you will receive an email with detailed directions, what to bring, and what to wear. All participants are required to sign a liability waiver for High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Center.
This offering will be held primarily outdoors, immersed in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of the natural world. In the event of inclement weather, we may spend the entire time inside the facility or a combination of indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring comfort while maintaining the experience of presence and connection.

This offering is limited to 8 women.
Investment: $65 (non-refundable)

About our Facilitators

About Kathleen Lowe: Kathleen Lowe, the founder of Friends of the Forest. Kathleen brings extensive expertise as a certified Mindful Outdoor Guide through the Kripalu School of Mindful Outdoor Leadership and a certified Forest Therapy Guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT), a global leader in evidence-based nature therapy practices. Her walks follow the ANFT’s structured approach, rooted in the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, as well as ecotherapy and the Way of Council. Each walk is a gentle, sensory-rich journey designed to reduce stress, enhance well-being, and deepen personal connection to nature. Kathleen's work is specifically designed for women, offering a safe, nurturing space to release the demands of daily life and reconnect with one’s body, inner wisdom, and the earth. Her recent training in somatic healing adds a deeper layer to this practice, inviting participants into embodied presence — allowing for release, grounding, and integration. Her background in art history from Brown University weaves in a unique appreciation for nature’s beauty as a living canvas, blending reflection, creativity, and reverence in every experience.

About Kim Severance, CTRS, ESMHL, CTRI, MMES: From a young age, Kim has harbored a profound love for animals, with horses holding a special place in her heart. Her journey into the equestrian world began at the tender age of five, quickly evolving from casual riding to competitive events both on the flat and over jumps. These early experiences not only honed her skills but also deepened her empathy and appreciation for horses as sentient beings.
Holding a Master of Science in Recreation and Leisure, Kim has dedicated her career to therapeutic recreation, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) in 2006. Her approach is unique, integrating animals ranging from dogs and dolphins to horses into her therapy sessions. She is continually inspired by the significant insights and transformations her clients achieve through these interspecies interactions.
In 2019, Kim shifted her focus to primarily working with horses, earning her certification as a therapeutic riding instructor (CTRI) through PATH, followed by her qualification as an equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL). Driven by a desire to reciprocate the healing horses provide, Kim has also delved into equine bodywork. As a certified Masterson Method Equine Specialist (MMES), she finds joy in fostering trust and connection, enhancing the well-being of her equine companions.
Kim's philosophy centers on encouraging individuals to live in the moment, remain inquisitive, and trust their instincts—lessons she believes are best taught by our equine partners. Her passion and dedication not only highlight the therapeutic power of animals but also underscore the profound bond between humans and horses.
About our Horse Partners: Our horse partners at High Hopes are professional therapeutic partners, carefully trained and supported to interact with humans in grounded, meaningful ways. Unlike “rescued” horses, each of their horses is thoughtfully selected and welcomed into the program only after a thorough evaluation by the expert team at High Hopes.